Brazil Legend Romario has called for Carlo Ancelotti to be sacked following Brazil’s shock 2026 FIFA World Cup exit, with the Italian manager coming under fierce criticism after the Seleção’s Round of 16 defeat. According to talkSPORT, the former Brazil striker even suggested Ancelotti should face legal action over the team’s disappointing campaign.
Early exit sparks fury
Brazil’s campaign came to an abrupt end in the Round of 16, a significant disappointment for a nation with sky-high expectations. The South American giants fell to Norway, with Erling Haaland scoring a brace that proved decisive. Neymar managed a consolation penalty for Brazil, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their earliest World Cup departure since the 1990 tournament.
Romario, a pivotal figure in Brazil’s 1994 World Cup triumph and a national team player from 1987 to 2005, did not mince words when discussing Ancelotti’s future. As reported by talkSPORT, he insisted: “He cannot remain Brazil’s head coach.” His frustration escalated further when contemplating how he would have handled the situation as a federation official. “If I had been in charge of the federation, I would have walked into the dressing room, told him to go to hell and torn up his contract on the spot.”
The former striker’s criticism extended to Ancelotti’s performance and what he viewed as favourable treatment from the media. “The match against Norway was a disgrace. I’d even take him to court. Then we’ll see what happens, but he cannot stay,” Romario declared. He added: “Now we have this damned Ancelotti, who has lost and will keep on losing. He made a lot of mistakes at this World Cup, and none of you in the media are saying a word.”
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Romario also suggested there was a double standard in the coverage of the Italian coach. “If he were a Brazilian coach, you would have torn him apart by now. But because he’s a foreigner, nobody says anything.”
Among the decisions that drew criticism was Ancelotti’s choice to include 34-year-old Neymar, despite his recent injury problems, ahead of Chelsea forward Joao Pedro.
Ancelotti remains defiant
In contrast to Romario’s explosive remarks, Carlo Ancelotti struck a more measured tone after Brazil’s elimination. The former Real Madrid manager insisted the disappointing tournament should be viewed as the start of a rebuilding process rather than the end of a project.
“We must continue to work and improve and find new ideas. I believe that this loss is not the end, but the beginning of a new cycle,” Ancelotti said following the defeat. He also reflected on the positives despite the painful exit: “For me, it’s a disappointing result and a great sense of sadness but it also leaves a truly valuable experience, an excellent working group.”
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With Brazilian media and former players continuing to question his decisions, Ancelotti now faces mounting pressure over whether he is the right man to lead the Seleção into the next chapter.
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